Scout Notes

Scout Scribbles – Sturridge and Balotelli Boost for Liverpool

Daniel Sturridge and Mario Balotelli could both be in line for a weekend return for Liverpool. Steven Taylor is expected to be in contention for Newcastle, Aaron Ramsey concedes he’s not yet returned to full match sharpness, Billy Jones nears his Sunderland comeback, whilst Harry Kane’s form continues with a brace for England Under 21s.

Strikers On Verge of Reds Return

Reports surfacing yesterday suggest that Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli is expected to be fit for his side’s clash with Crystal Palace this weekend, despite being sent home from international training with Italy with a groin concern. Daniel Sturridge, meanwhile, has dropped a major hint on Instagram that he, too, will be fit for the trip to Selhurst Park.

The Scout Says: Could we finally be set to see the two Liverpool forwards paired together for only the second time this season? The last time it happened, against Spurs in Gameweek 3, saw Brendan Rodgers’ side deliver unquestionably their best performance of the season as they ran out with a comfortable 3-0 victory. Raheem Sterling found himself on the scoresheet that day, and having notched just once since, his performances having taking a significant downturn since Sturridge was sidelined and Rodgers moved to a lone striker system. With his international team-mate now back in contention, however, we could see the young midfielder return to his dangerous best, and he couldn’t ask for a better place to start than against Palace this weekend, whose dire defensive performances have seen them concede two or more goals in four of their last five showings. With more decent fixtures to follow for Liverpool (STO, lei, SUN) both Sterling, at 8.5, and Sturridge, at 11.1, are poised to scale our Watchlists in the coming weeks.

MAGPIES HOPEFUL OF TAYLOR RECOVERY

Newcastle defender Steven Taylor is expected to recover from a knee problem in time to face QPR this weekend – contrary to reports that he had suffered a further injury setback during the international break.

The Scout Says: It’s been a merry-go-round couple of days for Taylor’s recent influx of owners, with earlier reports indicating that he could be out for up to four weeks having now been quashed. The 3.9-valued centre-back has picked up in popularity after securing a starting spot in a backline that has accumulated three clean sheets in their last four Gameweeks, though with skipper Fabricio Coloccini a doubt for the Gameweek 12 meeting with QPR, the Magpies’ defensive credentials could be put to the test this weekend: the Argentine has started every league match this season, and earned bonus points each time they have managed a shutout. Taylor’s return is likely to move Mike Williamson further down the pecking order – after recovering from injury last time around, the latter was handed a spot on the bench as Pardew opted for Paul Dummett alongside Coloccini at centre-half and the young Welshman could be tasked with filling in at the heart of defence until the Magpies have a full quota to choose from.

RAMSEY CONCEDES HE’S NOT FULLY FIT

Aaron Ramsey has spoken out about his recent criticism and admitted that he is yet to reach 100% this season:

“I’ve had a few injuries this season and I’m just getting back. To be honest, I’m still not 100 per cent physically there. The injuries do take a bit out of me. It will take me a few more games to be back to my best. But I’m not worried. I know my qualities. Certain criticism from people is unfair.”

The Scout Says: The Welshman was handed his first start since Gameweek 6 last time around against Swansea, as Arsene Wenger continues to ease him back into action following his injury difficulties. Having made such a positive start to the campaign, Ramsey is now without a goal since Gameweek 2, and, what’s more, the Gunners’ recent move to a 4-4-2 formation is likely to limit his ability to get forward as much: indeed, his performance at the Liberty saw him register an ICT rating of just 3.0, as opposed to an average of 14.4 across his first three displays of the season. Should Wenger stick with the same system, Theo Walcott – once fully fit – should feature on the flanks or possibly up top on occasion, and thus looks a better option than the 8.8-priced Ramsey for a similar price (9.0).

JONES EDGES CLOSER TO BLACK CAST COMEBACK

Reports confirm Billy Jones is expected to feature in training in under two weeks’ time as he nears his Sunderland return.

The Scout Says: Having finally broken into the first XI back in Gameweek 6, his subsequent injury the following week has come as a real blow for the right back, whose start to life at the Stadium of Light since his summer move from West Brom has been far from idyllic. His absence, coupled with further injuries amongst the Black Cats’ backline, has also allowed the error-prone Wes Brown increased pitch time, and the former United man is the prime candidate to make way upon Jones’ comeback, with Santiago Vergini then set to move back to the centre of defence in order to allow the former Baggies man the right-back berth. With four hugely testing fixtures (CHE, MCI, liv, WHM) proceeding this weekend’s trip to Leicester, Jones’ return will hand Gus Poyet a major boost as he attempts to continue the form which has seen his side earn four points from the last two Gameweeks.

KANE DOUBLE NOT ENOUGH FOR ENGLAND

Tottenham’s Harry Kane scored twice for England Under-21s last night as they lost 3-2 to France.

The Scout Says: Handed a first league start of the season against Stoke in Gameweek 11 after notching 10 goals in his previous 14 appearances, Kane’s form continues to impress. Last night’s brace will be a real confidence boost ahead of Sunday’s trip to Hull and, at 4.8, the youngster could offer managers a superb budget forward option if he can carry on his scoring form and hold on to his first team spot. Whilst matches against Everton and Chelsea in the next three may deter many, it’s worth noting that neither have impressed defensively so far and have mustered just three clean sheets apiece in the opening 11 Gameweeks. The following four (CPL, swa, BUR, lei) all look promising and should offer Kane a chance to oust midfielder Nacer Chadli as the best value route into Mauricio Pochettino’s side in the final third.

950 Comments Post a Comment
  1. PlayPercentage
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Scotland-England game could be a bit physical. Hope there are no injuries.
    Good job Charlie Adam isn't playing...

    1. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      I don't see a scenario in which Wilshere doesn't injure himself tonight..

      1. PlayPercentage
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Yes. Games like this we miss Stevie G.

    2. HVT
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      "Let's get physicial"
      ONJ
      🙂

    3. Pork Pie Sausage Roll
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Scott Brown will break some legs tonight

  2. Woy
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    I made the transfer,

    Bera > Austin.

    I hope Cesc, Tadic and Baines all play now.

    And ofc Austin scores a hattie

    1. Fergies fledgling
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Any reason you're down on Berahino?

  3. RUUD!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Captain

    A) Hazard
    B) Costa

    First to 3 wins cos i cant bloody decide

    1. Munchen KFC
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      costa

    2. A.T
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      B

    3. Mojo Rojo
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Haz... Really scared not owning him this week

      1. Kagawa-san-mia
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        i hear this every week and he does nothing.....

  4. Holmes
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Any updates on Tadic? Might get Walcott/Oscar if he is ruled out

    1. Woy
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Nothing reported yet?

      1. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Haven't came across anything new 😐

  5. Mojo Rojo
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    http://i.imgur.com/TGxNKnv.jpg'

    FT = 1
    B = 0.4

    Would you:
    A) Moore > Yun
    or
    B) Save FT (Moore & Pelle > Azpi & Austin next GW)

    1. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      B easy.

    2. Woy
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      B

  6. Koflok
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Is Azpi Fabianski worth it over Courtois Naylor, assuming no rotations.

    {+} Despite little attacking threat, Azpi is BAP magnet
    {+} Fabianski will get save points - at least more than Courtois
    {+} Naylor is on 4 YC, ban incoming
    {-} 0.4m more expensive
    {-} While Fabianski and Naylor nailed on; Azpi is more rotatable than Courtois over the festive period
    {-} Potential rotation for Naylor, although doesn't seem to be the case here.

    1. A.T
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Sounds good to me.

    2. davies
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      I've currently got CN. I would swap, but it's so close to the January WC, so no real point.

    3. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Have already mulled on this, I say yes.

    4. Elijah's Wood
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      This is the exact move ill be doing next GW so im all for it! January WC is 6 weeks away anyway

  7. Munchen KFC
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Tadic and Clyne to Chadli and Azp worth doing?

    1. random.hero
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      azp yes but after this gameweek

      1. A.T
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        +1

  8. Every Dog Has Its Day
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Pelle + Chadili + Bertrand -> Austin, ADM, 4.3 Defender (Wisdom. Dummet, Yun)?

    All of this for a -4? But I will make these transfers after the next game week.

    1. random.hero
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      no

    2. A.T
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      No

  9. PlayPercentage
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Trying to guess the Newcastle defence:

    Must be Coloccini -> Williamson for the next few games.
    Williamson came on as sub for Colo in the last GW.

    STaylor not guaranteed game time yet.
    Dummett, Janmaat nailed on.

    1. davies
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Against QPR, it'll be:

      Janmaat Saylor Dummett Haidara

  10. Every Dog Has Its Day
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    What is everyone doing with Baines? I have no good replacements... Only Duff and Moore

    1. PlayPercentage
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Duff kept a clean sheet last GW.

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Keeping. Play Duff if Baines isnt available

  11. Rolls-Royce
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Eriksen... Stick for this GW??

  12. Willos Wanderers
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    I'm stuck...

    Current team as follows:

    Begovic - McCarthy
    Baines - Clyne - Chambers - Taylor - Hutton
    Sanchez - ADM - Fabregas - Downing - Siggy
    Aguero - Welbeck - Sakho

    0.2 ITB, 1 FT

    Think I need to deal with Welbeck, but can't decide whether to go Austin which frees up some cash for defence, or Costa (which would need one of Fab/ADM to go). GK needs attention to, but can wait a week.

    Is Costa essential?

  13. J0E
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Apologies all. We've had to take down the Cup entry launch article so that we can make sure the entry form is available to all.

    Sorry for the inconvenience. We'll get that republished as soon as we can sort out the issue.

    1. Raddy
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Outrage!

      1. thetinkerman
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        I WANT MY MONEY BACK THAT I PAID FOR THAT ARTICLE!!!

        1. Raddy
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          I've already contacted by lawyers and am preparing to sue on everyone's behalf.
          The people vs FFS. It'll be case of the century.

    2. thetinkerman
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Looking forward to that!

    3. stephenl15
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      do we have to re-enter?

      1. J0E
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        No. Its just an issue with accessing the entry form. Members could access it but non members couldn't.

        The entry process itself is fine.

    4. The Gambler.
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      oooooooooooooh the magic of the PP cup 🙂

    5. HVT
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Wow that was scary - the lights went out!
      And if you've already successfully entered Jonty?

      1. J0E
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        not sure how to interpret that second line with its lack of comma.

        1. Jafooli
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          See below, I think....

        2. Elniñorules
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          It's almost like asking your mate in the morning - "Oh damn! I forgot to wear a condom last night. Is the damage done?"

        3. HVT
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          🙂
          I got my team over the line entry wise,
          Is my team entry still valid?

      2. Elniñorules
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Are 30 seconds of your time really that precious? Just apply again lazy bum!

        1. SW6
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          30 seconds? Give HVT a bit more credit than that 😉

          1. Elniñorules
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            😆 Fair dues.

            15 minutes in normal time.
            45 minutes under the influence.

            1. HVT
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 4 months ago

              Is that what she told you?
              🙂

      3. J0E
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        If you've already entered the cup there's no problem..see above it was just that non members couldn;t access the form - the form itself and entry process are unaffected.

      4. HVT
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Post of the week Shirley?

    6. Elniñorules
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Lol@members

    7. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Ha, I was wondering where it had gone, thought I was going mad 😛

      I entered, will I need to enter again?

      1. J0E
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        No. All's fine. Just want to ensure non members can enter. Just chasing Ed now to press a button to make that happen.

        1. Jafooli
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          Thanks Jonty.....

    8. WorldCupDanB
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      When you announce the fixture list and the the results please can it be put in alphabetical order so it's easier to find your match if you don't have the ability to search. Thanks

      1. J0E
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Going to be tricky to do that. Best thing to do is use the find function (under edit on a Mac/presuming also easy to find on a PC) to find your name on the page.

      2. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Great idea, I seconded this....

  14. Takedog1
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Hi lads

    About 60 points at top of my league tab,e so can afford a hit or 2.

    Some help here much appreciated plz

    Forster clyne wisdom duff Moore dummet
    Adm Sanchez Downing siggy Boyd
    Costa aguero pelle
    1ft 2.7 mill itb

  15. Weekend Seekers
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Mission Costa

    1) Drop Cesc to a 5 million midfielder

    2) Drop ADM to a 5 million midfielder (May be Jedinak)

    3) Keep as it is ... Play with Cesc

    4) Drop Baines and Clyne

    1. Willos Wanderers
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      I have the same dilemma. I'm keeping Baines.

      If I go with 3), Clyne most likely to get upgraded to Azpi.

      1. Weekend Seekers
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        I am thinking of 1 . and a price drop may help if I need to get him back.

  16. HVT
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Now the scout team knows what premature-ejaculation feels like!

  17. Buck The Trent
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Forster
    Baines Bertrand Dummett Wisdom Moore
    ADM Hazard Tadic Downing Boyd
    Kun Costa Welbz

    Dirty Sanchez is killing me and all my ML rivals have him !

    Best move out of these lot? All for -4

    A ADM, Bertrand to Sanchez, Yun/Duff
    B ADM, Tadic to Sanchez, Siggy
    C ADM, Welbz to Sanchez, Austin/Sakho

    1. Weekend Seekers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Keep ADM.. How abt Dropping Welbz /Tadic ?

      1. Buck The Trent
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Without ADM, have to spend -8 to get Sanchez !

  18. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    I'm looking for a solid PP cup-run this season.

    GW20 will do nicely.....

    1. A.T
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Your wish has come true. Turns out Scotland are playing tonight.

      1. A.T
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        England

        1. Jafooli
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          Oh yeah, I'm going for

          Scotland 9-0 England

  19. Saniul
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    So, if I'm not going to play my WC this week after all, as many of you say, I'll be with a team as.

    Begovic,
    Clyne, *Chambers, *Hutton,
    Sigurdsson, Sanchez, ADM, Tadic,
    Sakho, Costa, Aguero (c).

    ... And an injured bench.

    So, depending on Hutton's fitness, I might play 10 this week, which includes Chambers VS Di Maria and Hutton VS Tadic.

    Oh, I'm looking at a big red arrow this week. 😐

    1. FISSH
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      I dont think you are mate. not a bad side, definitely not worth wildcarding. get your captain choice right and you'll be fine.

    2. Munchen KFC
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Colo to Clichy

      1. Saniul
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Well, that was a good idea, but I don't really believe in City's ability to keep clean sheets. Also, I have Sigurdsson playing this week. 🙂

        1. Munchen KFC
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          Go for it,Kolarov out for a min 3 weeks!

    3. Raddy
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      I wouldn't worry too much. with the fixures and injuries I think many are playing a weak team this week. I can see you holding ground with a small red or green.

      1. Saniul
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah, it has been pretty unlucky for me the past three weeks. Three red arrows in a row, and especially last week felt so bad after I bought and played Naughton ahead of Coloccini. 😐

  20. HVT
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Dam and we were having such great fun on the PP thread!
    🙁

    1. Elniñorules
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      I only have fun on Friday. Why? Rebecca Black said so.

  21. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Colo to caulker or save FT? Have a back line of baines chambers clyne Moore colo.

    1. Saniul
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Get Yun, and not Caulker.

    2. Raddy
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Not sure Caulker is worth the extra any more if you do want a QPR def. His goal threat has dropped a lot.
      Consider Yun

  22. Reggae Shark
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Sorry for the stupid question but how do i find my team ID?

    1. Pumpkinhead *non-expert*
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Go to pick team - GW history and your id is the number in the url bar.

    2. SW6
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      If the link in your profile is right yours is: 2079866

  23. Pumpkinhead *non-expert*
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Next week looking to do Baines, Downing, Pelle to Costa, Sterling, Yun Good transfer right? hate loosing baines.

    1. Norfolk&Chance
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      why getting rid of Baines?

      1. Pumpkinhead *non-expert*
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 4 months ago

        Only way I can get Costa in. Would leave me with a team of

        Krul
        Clyne, Chambers (Yun, Wisdom, Chester)
        Sterling, ADM, Fab, Sanchez
        Costa, Aguero Sahko

        1. Norfolk&Chance
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 4 months ago

          hmm - think you need some EVE cover over next few weeks - dont get too hung up on having Costa - you've got Fab for CHE cover (pens & assists) - IMO keep Baines (if he is indeed fit).... maybe shift ADM - they've got a bad run coming + with so many injuries i dont know how aggressive Utd can afford to be at the mo...so ADM's pts might be limited.

          1. Norfolk&Chance
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 4 months ago

            Fab doesnt to do Pens srry - was thinking of Haz. eeepss..

    2. Cookie Thumper
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      If it is to get costa then I would find another way.

  24. New post
    1. J0E
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      All sorted everyone. Non members now also have access to the entry form. Apologies for the inconvenience.

    2. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 4 months ago

      Are you sure?

  25. Concrete
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    Punting on Weimann
    Yes or no

  26. Frost
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 4 months ago

    I need some help please!
    Current team is:

    Begovic, McCarthy
    Chambers, Clyne, Baines, Reid, Moore
    Siggy, Eriksen, Fabs, Tadic, Marney
    Welbeck, Costa, Aguero

    Been looking at changing to 5 in the mid with Walcott or Sanchez but involves a lot of hits to free up the money and sort the defence.
    Any ideas....